Thank you to Sue Greig for sending us this extract from the Caerlaverock Parish Statistical Account dated 1835 – a glowing report!
Character of the People in Caerlaverock Parish
The moral character of the people is decidedly good, partly owing to our abundant supply of schools, by which the benefits of education are extended to all, the children of the poor being taught gratis; and partly to the want of alehouses, of which there is not one in the parish except at the shore, where, on account of the shipping, it seems indispensable.
Sue tell us that these surveys were instigated by Sir John Sinclair, M.P. for Caithness in the 18th century. He organised questionnaires to be sent to local Church of Scotland ministers covering the local geography, topography, natural resources, agriculture and population, including ages, gender and occupations. The ‘New’ Statistical Account was published between 1834 and 1845. You can see them in the Reference Section at the Ewart Library.
Fascinating stuff!
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